As Sydney sweltered through an unseasonably warm spring day, Melbourne played like a team hell-bent on proving the old adage that revenge is a dish best served cold.
Watch every game of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Craig Bellamy’s side has been stewing for the past 12 months after they had their hearts broken by the Penrith machine on grand final night, but the Storm have the chance to right some wrongs after they booked their ticket to the decider.
The 22-14 win at AAMI Park featured 18 penalties but it also saw the return of three key Storm men who will likely make them favourites regardless of who they face next week.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Reigning Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes is a medical marvel after returning just 22 days after he fractured his forearm, Ryan Papenhuyzen returned from concussion protocols and Shawn Blore was back on deck after he fractured his larynx.
They are all key weapons but Hughes holds the key to the Storm’s fortunes and showed his value with a slashing solo try that featured a couple of strong fends with his dodgy arm.
That try came off a Stefano Utoikamanu offload, with the representative prop potentially the missing piece of the puzzle that they need to go all the way after he made the move down south from Sydney.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘SHOCKER’: Halves duo’s Broncos legacies on the line amid haunting GF moments
TALKING POINTS: Cronk’s big Hughes warning; how Reynolds exposes Panthers
CRAWLS: How Walsh covered up for haunted Hunt; Broncos star on notice
The Storm are one game away from redemption.Source: Getty Images
Hughes wasn’t alone with halves partner Cameron Munster running for more metres than anyone else on Friday night, while it was his crafty chip kick that set up Papenhuyzen for a crucial try just before half-time.
Melbourne’s six and seven had the Sharks defence in sixes and sevens, with the visitors scrambling more than a chef at a trendy Sydney café who has been slammed with Saturday egg orders.
And while Cronulla’s defence bent, it never broke as they showed the grit that helped them win nine of their past 10 matches, including a shock upset of the minor premiers last week.
But they just couldn’t muster the attack to trouble the Storm who found another gear to seal the win when skipper Harry Grant darted out of dummy-half near halfway before Jack Howarth set up Xavier Coates to score in the corner.
Ivan talks on “unfair” finals schedule | 01:30
They now have nine days to rest up before they head to Accor Stadium to face either the Broncos or Panthers, with Melbourne looking to do what they so often do by avenging a grand final loss the following year.
They did it in 2007, 2009 and 2017, with a potential trilogy decider looming against a Penrith side that choked them into submission 12 months ago.
It will be Craig Bellamy’s 11th grand final as Storm coach, with the Melbourne mentor eyeing another title before he eventually calls time on an incredible career – whenever that may be.
It would be fitting if they played the Panthers next week, with the 2020 Grand Final the catalyst for Penrith’s remarkable premiership run.
‘Stop Reece?’: Ivan addresses left edge | 10:34
Both sides have enjoyed grand final success over the other team over the past five years, with the Storm’s legacy to go through the roof if they can be the team to end the streak on the biggest stage.
It’s been a wet year in Sydney, and the forecast is for more purple rain if the Storm’s stars can replicate what they did on Friday.
After all, streaks have to end eventually.